Northumbria Police Officer Jess Turnbull Dies After Cramlington Crash Responding to Collision

Police Constable Jess Turnbull, 19, has died after sustaining fatal injuries in a road traffic collision in Cramlington. PC Turnbull, who joined Northumbria Police in September, was responding to a report of a separate incident involving a Land Rover Freelander and a Ford Explorer on the A189 Spine Road at approximately 23:10 BST on Monday.

During her response, a black Mercedes collided with her marked police vehicle. PC Turnbull was taken to hospital but succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday. A 73-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been released on bail.

Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine paid tribute to PC Turnbull, highlighting her dedication and commitment to policing. Ms Jardine stated that PC Turnbull "made the ultimate sacrifice and that will never be forgotten."

The initial collision saw the Ford leave the road, with occupants of the Land Rover reportedly fleeing the scene on foot before officers arrived. No serious injuries were reported from this initial incident. Northumbria Police has asked that tributes be left at their Wallsend headquarters rather than at the crash site.